“Mamuli” Pattern in East Sumba Woven Fabric as Inspiration For “Kandunnu” Standing Lamp Using the IMOE Method

Abstract

Inspiration is a crucial factor in the conception and development of innovative design products. In the contemporary creative world, an innovative product transcends mere aesthetic factors, encompassing intrinsic values. This study investigates a framework for transforming Mamuli pattern, found in East Sumba woven fabric, into a contemporary and innovative product, in the form of a standing lamp. This effort aimed to guide designers and design students in the precise and effective transformation of local culture. Innovation was done through materialization, observation and experimentation (IMOE). They were applied to cultural artifacts, structured across four levels, namely the inner, middle, outer, and experimental. The experimental element assumed a central role in the methodology. The inner level encompassed the meanings and symbols of the cultural artifact (Mamuli pattern), while the middle level involved its creative process. The outer level represented the physical appearance, including materials, colors, and ornaments. The experimental element involved the creative process of transforming the cultural artifact into a contemporary form. The experiment targeted designers and design students, facilitating the creation of contemporary products through a culturally-sensitive transformation, fostering innovations. Developed through an ethno-mathematical theory and experimental folding techniques, it generated experimental innovative product designs. It transformed Mamuli pattern from East Sumba woven fabric into Kandunnu standing lamp, drawing inspiration from both the outer and inner levels.